Gabion

Gabion is a cage or cylinder filled with rocks, which may or may not be held by concrete. Sometimes, it is filled with sand and soil. Gabion walls are very common today being used for stabilizing shorelines, flood walls, and slit filtration from runoff. This is because, unlike very rigid structures, a gabion retaining wall can be used to dispel energy flowing from water while draining properly.

What are Gabions Made From?

Gabions are rectangular baskets fabricated from a hexagonal layering of heavily galvanized steel wire. This combination is referred to as gabion box, gabion baskets or gabion cages. The basket is then filled with rocks to form a rock cage wall where rocks are stacked atop one another to form a rigid gravity-type wall.

These rocks are also referred to as gabion stones or planted gabions when they are planted into the ground. Crushed concrete or leftover materials like tile and bricks may also be used as the cage’s content instead of rocks. This makes gabions relatively inexpensive.

How Long do Gabions Last?

Although caged rock or gabion rocks are designed to be used in permanent structures, they do not last forever. On average, gabion basket retaining walls may last for 10 to 75 years with respect to the environment they are installed. In a perfectly conducive environment, it could last longer.

Do Gabions Rust?

The life span of a gabion wall depends on the type of wire used and the harshness of the environment it is exposed to. Gabions in salt-heavy environments will rust out quicker just like every other metal. However, in a more salt-free environment, it takes a longer time to rust – typically 50 to 100 years or more.

What are the Advantages of Gabion?

Gabions are fast to install for small areas and are flexible due to their high tolerance for movements. Permeability to water is also another advantage offering an easy way to decrease water velocity and reduce erosion in slopes.

What are the Disadvantages of Gabion?

Gabion may be more expensive than direct alternatives like wooden fencing. It could also be time-consuming to install when fitting in larger structures and may require large machinery. Lastly, depending on your taste, some people may not like the appearance of gabions.